Stretch marks have the initial appearance of purple or red looking lines. In time Stretch Marks can fade to a white or off white color.
Stretch Marks are a VERY common condition. Just think of all the people who are either pregnant or overweight!
Stretch Marks are not just confined to the female population either – few people realize that they are a common complaint of male body builders.
Three Possible Stretch Mark Solutions
Stretch Mark Treatments vary from out-and-out scams to some very smart and scientific remedies.
Three of the most common are:
1. DERMABRASION. This is a serious medical procedure that takes place under a general anesthetic. Dermabrasion is definitely not for the faint of heart.
In Dermabrasion the surface of the skin is literally removed by a process of sanding. The aim of dermabrasion is to remove (or at least lessen) the appearance of scars, damage from the sun or dark spots.
The procedure is obviously very painful (hence the general anesthetic) and the healing process can take several months. However, the results can be quite spectacular.
Dermabrasion works best when the scar or mark being treated is above the surface of the skin and is generally much less effective when used to treat sunken scars.
Be Warned: Having a general anesthetic is NOT something to be taken lightly; it carries inherent risks and can be life-threatening. Always seek a second medical opinion (speak to more than one doctor).
2. MICRODERMABRASION. Often referred to as ‘Microderm’ this is far less invasive procedure that has become very popular throughout the Day Spa and cosmetic industries.
In Microdermabrasion the surface layer of the skin is removed by using a special wand with a roughened surface that lightly sands the skin. The shed skin particles are removed via a suction device attached to the wand.
People like Microdermabrasion because it has a reputation of being a safe, painless procedure that does not require an anesthetic.
3. SKIN TREATMENT CREAMS. This is one of those areas where you are most likely to encounter ‘wild claims’ and the general ‘rule of thumb’ here is that if something sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
That said, there are literally tens of thousands of people who swear by such things as Vitamin A Cream, Cocoa Butter and a whole raft of different specially formulated cosmetic creams.
One thing you can do is ask the people trying to sell you any Stretch Mark Removal treatment to show you before and after photographs of their last 50 clients.
Also, ask for written testimonials.
Skin care experts also say that the correct diet, nutritional supplements, rest and common sense (avoiding excessive sun exposure) can have a big impact on the skin’s ability to heal and its general appearance.
Laser Stretch Marks Before And After
Stretch marks are technically defined as a scarring of the skin. Wrinkles, on the other hand, are seen as ridges or creases on the surface. But can stretch marks and wrinkles be related in a way? It is possible that since stretch marks occur in the area beneath the skin known as the dermis, that the skin above the scarring can also become weak and therefore wrinkle over time and especially if stretch marks are not tended to.
Consequently, wrinkles can effect to marks. Since the surface of the skin is damaged or weak, the dermis is also not protected in any that can lead to tearing and eventually to the formation of stretch marks.
The Common Factor
Skin Collagen - If there is one common denominator in skin and the dermis, it is that they both require collagen to stay strong and elastic. Collagen makes up for 75% of healthy skin and since the dermis is just underneath the surface of the skin, it applies to the dermis as well.
Now, if collagen formation is damaged in any way, this can cause wrinkles and it can also cause stretch marks. These marks become more and more visible as one gets older and as the skin ages as well. However, it is not uncommon to see a young people with stretch marks and wrinkles as well. This really depends on how much weight they put on and how much weight they lose.
Weight Gain - Putting on the weight may result in the formation of stretch marks. Losing the weight quickly will result in folds of the skin, sometimes where the stretch marks have formed. These tiny folds are wrinkles. This happens because as you gain weight quickly, the collagen fibers are stretched. And when you lost weight quickly, the fibers still remain stretched and therefore the skin does not shrink normally.
How Do I Prevent This From Happening?
Preventing Stretch Marks - Stretch marks are easy to prevent. All one has to do is to maintain a strict diet that is high in essential fats like fish and vegetables. Hydration is also very important to keep the skin healthy and "glowing". The hydration will help maintain the skins elasticity so that when the dermis is stretched it will not tear easily. When it comes to preventing wrinkles, this may get a little tricky and more hard work may have to be out in.
Lose Weight Gradually - If you are planning to lose weight, do not look for a way to lose weight rapidly. This will result in the forming of both wrinkles and stretch marks. What you want to do is maintain a solid exercise routine that will help you lose weight naturally and not too quickly. In time you will find that you will have good skin without wrinkles or stretch marks.
So how are stretch marks and wrinkles related? As you grow faster, stretch marks may appear from the stretching. Likewise, as you lose weight quickly, wrinkles may take the place of those stretch marks. Neither of the two is pleasing to look at especially if you want to maintain a young and healthy look. But they can both be addressed with a healthy lifestyle and even some cosmetic help like from wrinkle and stretch mark products distributed in the market.
Both Rob Roy McKenzie & Maia Pells are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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